In order to review and to discuss the overall situation of HIV/AIDS in Sindh, UNAIDS – Pakistan delegation headed by Country Director for Pakistan & Afghanistan, Dr. Mamadou L. Sakho; Country Community Mobilization and Networking Advisor, Ms. Dr. Fahmida Iqbal Khan visit Bridge Consultants Foundation at its office in Karachi. Sindh AIDS Control Program, Program Manager, Dr. Muhammad Yunus Chachar was also present on the occasion.
Dr. Sharaf Ali Shah, Director, Bridge Consultants Foundation briefing the delegation stressed the need of strong commitment of team members and other stakeholders to over the challenges being faced in the province. Govt of Sindh should come up with leadership and take responsibility to address these issues. Furthermore there is also a dire need to discuss these issues and find the way out. On behalf of Bridge Consultants, he also assured his full support to Govt. of Sindh in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Giving presentation of “Our fight against HIV/AIDS” he informed that the main focus of Bridge Consultants activities since inception is the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Sindh and Pakistan. Our strategy of work comprises of Research, Training and Service Delivery. Bridge Consultant has research collaborations with national and international origination.
Dr. Mamadou L. Sakho, UNAIDS Country for Pakistan & Afghanistan in his remarks said that keeping in view the challenges being faced by the program there is dire need of collectively efforts by all the stakeholders as well as evidence based research action.
Talking about grants from Global Fund, he informed that there is no concern about funds. Global Fund is supporting the program throughout the world. To rationalize the program, we need motivational spirit in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In Pakistan, there are lots of controversial issues but we have to persuade these issues with discussions. We need to start action based research with learning process in order to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Later on, home appliances were also distributed amongst the family members of IDUs. The Meeting concluded with a vote of thanks and traditional Sindh ajrak presentation to UNAIDS Delegation.
